Energy and petrochemicals company Shell has received positive responses from original-equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to its range of transmission-component protection oil, Shell Spirax, which was launched in April.

Shell commercial technical manager Raymond Abraham explains that products such as the Shell Spirax S6 GXME oil have special frictional properties and high fluidity that help reduce power loss and operating temperature. These products also offer higher mechanical efficiency.

The Shell Spirax S6 GXME oil has a low chlorine content that makes it easier to recycle, with improved seal compatibility for increased protection against leaks.

“The benefits have been demonstrated through extensive laboratory tests and more than 20-million kilometres of field trials,” he adds.

Further, Abraham explains that several gearboxes and axles use different lubricants and operate under different conditions, as a single oil used for both applications might lead to a compromise in wear protection and efficiency in either the axle or the gearbox, or both.

Improving efficiency leads to improvement in overall fuel consumption, says Abraham, adding that it leads to overall fuel cost savings for customers.

Shell Spirax oils have been specifically designed to meet the challenges and requirements of several industry-leading automatic transmission, axle and gear manufacturers.

The oils have been designed for synchromesh gearboxes, including those with integrated retarders, and medium-loaded axle drives where mineral or synthetic gear oils are required.

Abraham explains that Shell scientists formulate the oils to deliver specific oxidation, shear, stability and performance characteristics to provide maximum protection, power and efficiency for each transmission application. Three main objectives are achieved during the development of these lubricants, which include improving energy efficiency, protecting valuable equipment and increasing the life of the lubricant in service.

“Although Shell Spirax is developed in and imported from Europe, it is manufactured to suit the South African environment and standards required by OEMs,” he notes.

Abraham concludes that Shell Spirax has a significant market share in both the mining and construction sectors and there are plans to further increase its growth in these sectors.